All I Need

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

This has been a funny week.

It is so funny how God can use what seems like such a great disappointment to show my heart how much He loves me. Ok, maybe funny isn't the perfect adjective... but I'm just not sure how else to word it.

For the past 6 months or so, I've known that I am going to spend my summer in Peru and I have been so excited. 


I am excited to live simply, love deeply, and serve daily.  


I am excited to speak Spanish all day long and to build new friendships. 

So, what's the problem? 


I've been excited about my ability to do all of these things. I was resting in the opportunity the Lord had given me to go and the excitement of living abroad serving Him. 

This is hard to explain, but my excitement about all of these things rested in the experience and the stories I would have to tell about it- not in the reality of actually going. 


Until this week, Peru has been an idea.  


I knew I was going eventually, but it still hadn't sunk in.

Well, it has now sunk in. 

And I'm scared. 

And I don't know what to expect. 

I think this is what He wants me to do for the rest of my life... and what if I don't like it?

Last week, I prayed that God would humble me. I prayed that He would show me that I can't go to Peru without Him- that everything I do will be because of Him. 


The thing is, I'm not sure I thought He would take that seriously.

Well, He did- and I am so thankful.  


I'm not saying that it is good to be nervous, or anxious, or scared- but I am saying that before, I didn't recognize my dependence on the Lord to get me through this summer. I was just excited! 


But I needed to be humbled. 


I need Him to show me that His power is made perfect in my weakness. 

If I don't recognize my weakness, how much do I see His power?

... Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

So, here I am- boasting gladly in my weaknesses so that His power may rest on me.

I don't know what to expect. 

The Lord will watch over your coming and going, 
both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:8

I'm nervous about feeling lonely.

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

I think He wants me to do this for the rest of my life... and what if I don't like it?

 ^"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. 
“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

Jeremiah 29: 11-13 

You see, I don't know what this summer holds for me- but i know that He holds my heart. I know it will be good and I know He is there.

And that is all I need.